Sports

The Mavericks held off Dillon (S.C.) 27-21 in the season opener to hang on to the top spot, but No. 2 Independence, a 49-0 winner against South Mecklenburg and No. 3 Butler, which walloped West Charlotte 80-20 are close by.

The Magnificent 7 is as follows.

1. Mallard Creek: The Mavericks have been good enough to get deep into the 4AA playoffs the last three seasons. This season’s challenge is to finally get to and win the state championship. Mallard Creek will get a push from Independence and Myers Park, but the Mavs have the combination of talent and coaching to come home No. 1.

2. Independence: New coach Joe Evans broke in with a bang with the Patriots rolling South Meck in the opener. Independence looked like a team that has its mission already.

3. Butler: It was almost unfair the way Butler walloped West Charlotte. The Lions aren’t close to elite, but the Bulldogs – that’s another story.

4. Hough: The Huskies beat Providence 34-21 to get off to a good start. Hough wasn’t dominant, but was more than good enough.

5. Charlotte Catholic: The Cougars won a 35-28 thriller against Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.), and as a reward get to continue Mecklenburg County’s toughest schedule against Rock Hill Northwestern.

6. Olympic: Also from the thrilling wins file, the Trojans outslugged Myers Park 37-34 on the road. Olympic has a quick-strike offense, but the special teams and defense need some tightening.

7. West Mecklenburg: The Hawks wore out East Mecklenburg 69-0, serving notice West is eager to live up to preseason expectations.